Tumbler 1887 - 1896

This glass tumbler was created by Hobbs, Brockunier and Company around 1887. At first glance, the object's surface is entirely covered in raised hemispherical bosses, creating a striking tactile texture. The arrangement transforms the simple cylinder into a complex field of repeated, yet individual, forms. The pattern might be read through the lens of structuralism as a system. Each bump is a unit that gains significance through its relation to others, building a language of texture and light. The uniformity is disrupted by the glass’s inherent qualities, as each sphere refracts light in unique ways. This interplay creates a dialogue between the mechanical precision of mass production and the unpredictable nature of the material itself. The surface asserts a kind of visual and tactile excess, challenging the minimalist aesthetic. This tumbler uses repetition and texture to redefine our interaction with everyday objects.